Don't Know What to Do

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Please forgive me if this post for advice also turns into a mini-rant, but I don't know where else to turn!

I was on the employment roster at a place from late August to mid-November, but was out with an injury from mid-September until my position could absolutely no longer be held at the facility. This was my first CNA job right out of training. Ever since, I have been applying for jobs everywhere within 30 miles of where I live, but even when I get interviewed I never receive a call back (despite thank you letters and politely-worded follow-up e-mails/phone calls). I checked with my reference people, and they haven't received checks on my references from any of the positions that interviewed me.

I really don't want to give up. I don't. But (and here is where the rant starts), I am beginning to feel really hopeless. I spent all of my high school years and several college semesters caring for my grandparents, rather than a minimum wage job, since the job market where I used to live was so bad in FL. Now that I'm up here in MA, it is no better---and worse, to a degree, because I am overqualified academically (4.0 GPA, member of multiple honor societies, A.S. in Liberal Arts---Pre Nursing and accepted into the Fall 2013 Nursing Program) but pathetically under-qualified when it comes to paid employment. I have numerous years volunteering, but that doesn't seem to count for ANYthing. I see people ranting about not being able to get nursing jobs without any experience, but what if you can't get any (I've applied for CNA positions, Home Health Aide positions, Home Companion positions, as well as your average min. wage retail/restaurant jobs as backup) job without experience? How am I even going to have a CHANCE once I graduate from nursing school?

I just feel like a complete loser---that I'm not even seen as qualified enough to wipe people's butts for even minimum wage. I've busted my behind to do well in school, taking volunteer jobs when I couldn't find paid work, being enthusiastic, respectful, articulate, and well-dressed during interviews...to what end? I just feel like there is no place for me in this world sometimes. Getting accepted into nursing school---something I wholeheartedly wished for---was great for about 15 minutes, and then reality hit that if I can't get a CNA job now then I have no chance once I graduate of landing a nursing position, at least based on what I've seen on these forums.

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xxxxxxx Hospital-______ Unit, City, MA
November 2011-April 2012
Assisted the Unit CNAs and Unit Secretary for three hours every week as a volunteer. Duties included: [brief description of duties, basically those of a CNA]

xxxxxxxx Festival-Children’s Game Booth Attendant, City, FL
Volunteer, Seasonal, January to April, 2006-2010
[Brief description of duties, position listed because it corresponds to one of my few professional references]

Personal Care Assistant, Town, FL
July 2004-May 2011
Assisted elderly relatives, including those recovering from medical issues and age-related mental decline, in maintaining their independence in their own home for as long as possible.

I used to live in MA ( all my life) and the job market there is tough. Just keep applying, especially as hospitals. Maybe turn your caring for your grandparents into private home health duty on your résumé. Keep going on interviews. I don't know what your availability is, but the better it is the better your chances. Don't talk too much about school plans because that screams " pretty soon I won't be available". Don't lie but don't over share. Make sure you seem confident and passionate about this work. Keep at it you'll get a job eventually. Also, if you have to work retail or something like that for awhile so what? It pays the bills and eventually you'll find a position. Oh! Also, don't leave out hospitals they're more willing to hire students especially if you express the desire to stay with. Them when you're a nurse :-)

I used to live in MA ( all my life) and the job market there is tough. Just keep applying, especially as hospitals. Maybe turn your caring for your grandparents into private home health duty on your résumé. Keep going on interviews. I don't know what your availability is, but the better it is the better your chances. Don't talk too much about school plans because that screams " pretty soon I won't be available". Don't lie but don't over share. Make sure you seem confident and passionate about this work. Keep at it you'll get a job eventually. Also, if you have to work retail or something like that for awhile so what? It pays the bills and eventually you'll find a position. Oh! Also, don't leave out hospitals they're more willing to hire students especially if you express the desire to stay with. Them when you're a nurse :-)

"No day but today"

Thank you for the validation---coming from someone who knows the MA market, it helps tremendously. Unfortunately, one of the two hospitals in the area just bought out the other one, and they just don't seem to be hiring. Period. Whether you have 0 years of CNA experience or 7, like my friend who also applied. 30 minutes later, we both had received an automated rejection notice.

Maybe I'm seen as too desperate/"easy"? I only have one completely unavailable day, because I scheduled my classes all on that day to free up ALL the others. I show enthusiasm for working holidays because I don't have a lot of family in the area, I don't have a problem working weekends, and I'm a natural night owl so I don't mind working the night shift.